Addiction is a fearsome struggle to deal with, both as an addict and as a family member. Although struggling with addiction seems insurmountable, it can be defeated with commitment to wellness and to treatment. One of the hardest things to do when battling addiction is pinpointing when drug abuse has turned into addiction; this is also the first step in the journey toward reaching recovery from your addiction. You should keep drug addiction facts in mind if you are worried that you or someone you care about is displaying the behaviors of an addict. Here are three signs that drug abuse has evolved into addiction.
Extreme changes in emotion trigger cravings.
Drug abusing behaviors tend to become the central focal point in an addict’s life. Any change in emotion, especially extreme changes, will trigger a craving for drugs. Over time, drug abuse alters your brain and becomes linked with the release of dopamine; a chemical in your central nervous system responsible for triggering pleasure in the brain. With negative emotions, use of the drug will increase levels of dopamine in your brain, helping you feel good. Drug use accompanying positive emotions will cause your natural dopamine levels to surge even higher.
Work and school are no longer priorities.
One of the most common drug addiction facts is that an addict prioritizes drug abuse above all else. An addict will lose sight of the value of work and school, instead favoring their time to abuse drugs. Performance quality at work and school will devolve and it is likely that the addict will show up late or stop showing up completely.
When confronted, the addict will likely become defensive. Due to the chemical changes that occur in your brain as a consequence of long term drug abuse, excuses for erratic, illogical priorities will become prevalent.
Ill health accompanies drug addiction.
If you have become a drug addict, you will likely suffer from ill health. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally in a positive way is no longer a priority. An addict’s personal hygiene is lower than what is usually acceptable and the long-term abuse of drugs will show ill effects on hair growth, weight and oral hygiene.
With commitment and trust in the treatment process, it is completely possible to recover from addiction. Make your own health and wellness a priority and seek help if you need it.
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